Cusi Tells ASEAN: PH Moving Towards Energy Resiliency

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said today (17 July) that the Duterte Administration is working hard to address the resiliency of energy systems and infrastructure and the reasonability of electricity rates in the Philippines as he opened the ASEAN 35th Senior Officials Meeting on Energy (SOME) at Okada Manila.

​Cusi congratulated the organizers of the week-long series of meetings that form part of the events being hosted by the Philippines in celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations).

​"We are tasked to ensure energy security for the region to sustain our respective domestic economies. This becomes more urgent as we move towards the realization of an ASEAN Economic Community through greater collaboration," Cusi told the delegates.

Cusi cited the 10-year ASEAN Plan of Action on Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025 as the region sets to achieve enhanced energy security, accessibility, affordability and sustainability.

​On the home front, Cusi said government's "Ambition 2040" aspires to transform the Philippines to an upper middle-income economy in which Filipinos get to enjoy a comfortable and secure existence.

​He added that the Philippine is moving to bring about a "golden age of infrastructure" through a "Build, Build, Build" infrastructure plan which is part of "Dutertenomics."

​"In support of this infrastructure plan, the Philippines would need additional capacity of 44,000 MW up to 2040. To do this, the Philippines is pursuing fuel and technology neutral and balanced environmental protection goals and socio-economic growth,” Cusi told the delegates.

​"Along this line, we have set our sights on an optimal demand behavior-based fuel mix with 70-20-10 share of baseload, mid-merit and peaking capacity requirement to support our growing economy," Cusi said.

​The challenge is to increase energy supply specially electricity, both for grid and off-grid areas, he stressed.

​"Our ultimate vision is to provide power of choice to our consumers," said the Energy Chief.

​"We will implement policies that would increase our supply and make our electricity market more competitive while also addressing the perennial concerns of system inefficiencies."

​Cusi invited energy sector players to come up with innovative solutions and dynamism, thus "increasing supply and ensuring more competition in the sector."

​He pointed out that Executive Order (E.O.) No 30 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on June 28 created a task force to establish a simplified approval process for permits and licenses to fast track the implementation of big-ticket energy projects.

“The EO instructs government agencies to act on applications of energy projects within 30 days upon complete submission of requirements,” Cusi explained.

Also, a new policy initiative of the DOE now subject to public consultations is institutionalizing disaster resilience in the energy sector by strengthening energy systems and facilities, quickly restoring damaged facilities and providing alternative energy sources during calamities.

​Given the archipelagic nature of the country, “the DOE will pursue distributed electrification for currently off-grid island provinces through independent mini and/or micro grids served by local indigenous power sources like run-of-river and biomass,” said Cusi.

​This is to mitigate the risk of extensive outages that may be sustained in the transmission lines and distribution networks due to natural and human-induced calamities like earthquakes and typhoons that are of increasing frequency and intensity lately.

"Major activities under this policy also include the implementation of the ‘Build-back Better’ principle in reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructures, improvement of operational and maintenance standards and practices, as well as resiliency standards for new energy facilities," said Cusi.

Cover Photo:

EMPOWERING A UNIFIED ASEAN: Philippine DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi together with the ASEAN Senior Officials on Energy animated the E-Power Mo! pose during the 35th ASEAN Senior Official Meetings on Energy at Okada Manila, Parañaque City. In photo with Sec. Cusi (center) are (L-R) Dato Jamain Julaihi (Brunei Darussalam), Sodavath Chan (Cambodia), Andy Noorsaman Sommeng (Indonesia), Khamso Kouphokham (Lao PDR), Badriyah Ab malek (Malaysia), Htein Lwin (Myanmar), DOE Usec. Jesus Cristino Posadas (Philippines), Jonathan Kok Chye Goh (Singapore), Areepong Bhoocha-oom (Thailand), Phuong Hoang Kim (Vietnam), Tran Dong Phuong (ASEAN Secretariat), Sanjayan Velautham (ACE), Syaiful Bakhri Ibrahim (HAPUA) and Nopporn Chuchinda (ASCOPE).

Alvin Patrimonio Undergoes Hair Transplant at MAXiM Manila

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Multi-titled PBA Legend Alvin Patrimonio visited the MAXiM Hair Restoration clinic in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines, recently to avail of a hair restoration procedure called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). 

FUE is a no-stitch, no linear scar technique that takes individual grafts or follicular units from the back and sides of the head and transplants them to the thinning and balding areas. The result is permanent hair growth that is all natural because the transplanted hair is the patient’s own. There is very minimal discomfort felt during the procedure and recovery is faster. The patient can return to normal activity in a day or two and expect a fuller head of hair in about six months, plus improved density within a year. 

Unlike other hair transplant clinics that offer multiple cosmetic procedures, MAXiM is entirely dedicated to surgical hair restoration and non-surgical scalp micropigmentation. The hair transplant procedure is performed by MAXiM doctors who are experienced plastic surgeons adept at performing medical aesthetic procedures. 

MAXiM Hair Restoration is the Manila, Philippines, branch of the New York City-based hair transplant company that also has offices in Long Island, Chicago, Dallas, D.C. Virginia Area, and Dubai. 

Above, “The Captain” poses with MAXiM Hair Restoration Manager, Mar Sabillo (second from left), Dr. John Ocampo, MAXiM Plastic Surgeon and staff.

What Defines a Blogger?: Scrutinizing the Loud and Proud Online Influencers

Wazzup Pilipinas!

People should realize that "blogging" is not limited to the "blog site" alone. There's social media promotions, media partnerships, events and PR management, foreign partnerships and collaborations, brand campaigns, traditional media affiliations, actual engagement with people, and a lot more.

Our influence as bloggers is not confined within our blogs alone. So it is not fair to judge a blogger based on just a single platform. We do not limit our campaigns on our blog so it is not the entire manifestation of our capabilities and performance.

There are so many high-ranking blogs out there but their content is appalling for being full of refurbished viral and trending issues, showbiz rumors and controversies, exaggerated and click-bait articles, etc.. - things that we do not condone...as we try our best to come out with only quality, decent and worthwhile news and features. We do not wish to contribute to the further dumbing down of the masses.

We pity those who event make efforts to discredit us by sharing incomplete facts and falsified news, especially feel sorry for those who would even badmouth us to potential partners and collaborators. We deplore those who harass others just to gain an upper-hand in this community. 

Remember that those who uplift themselves by putting down others deserve our most sincere prayers for they must be terribly lonely and thus calling out for some attention.

They may gain something for the moment, but they cannot honestly be proud of themselves for the bad deeds they have done to attain their accomplishments.
Wazzup Pilipinas will remain aligned to feature better stories that will educate, empower and inspire.

Do you think it's right and ethical for this online publication to keep harassing brands, companies, organizations, etc., by sending them messages that they do not wish to be co-media partners with other publications not belonging to the Top 100?

We received more reports of what this online publication is doing and we are not afraid to expose them if they continue this unfair media practice. They are seemingly blackmailing others implying that "It's either you pick us, or we get out of the partnership with you!"

Claiming to be on the lead spot belonging to the Top 100 online publications, our PR and event organizer friends could only express their disappointment and pity to to their disgraceful actions.

May they be enlightened of their wrongful acts. Let us pray for them, and wish them all the happiness, because it seems they are lonely at the top.

Do you also think it's right for others to try to ruin your reputation by initiating efforts to discredit your capabilities?

Other bloggers have reported some people who intend to harm our credibility by spreading falsified rumors about us.

We are so sorry for all our bashers and detractors, because whatever they do, they could only fool the gullible and weak-minded who are too lazy and stubborn to find out the real story.

Those who block others to opportunities are obviously damaged and threatened by competition.We have never intend to compete with fellow bloggers or media as we only work diligently on our own creative space. But we continue to wish them all the luck so they could at least be a bit happier with their lifetime of hate and envy.

Wazzup Pilipinas will continue to stand-out and emerge triumphant amidst all their fabricated lies caused by their idle minds.


Many bloggers have confided to us that there are these shady group of bloggers that are trying to persuade them to stay away from the Wazzup Pilipinas group. If they could not convince them, they've been trying their best to prevent bloggers not siding or connected within their circle from getting invited to some events, even to the point of approaching PRs and event organizers, and sharing falsified stories. Some bloggers are getting annoyed and afraid because who knows what these misfits have been doing to keep the opportunities to themselves.

We commend the bloggers who have been strong enough to resist the temptation of siding with them, and we are grateful we are always notified of the negative deeds.



Opportunists are those who would capitalize on even the little mistakes like TYPOS, MISQUOTES, or GRAMMATICAL ERRORS, to EXAGGERATE and spread damaging fake news.

This is why government officials are wary of speaking freely to the public or media because they are afraid their statements would be misinterpreted or given a different meaning.

When we don't understand or find something odd or unbelievable, we should simply ask the person(s) concerned or involved.

We don't make a public announcement immediately. We verify our findings first if they are conclusive and without errors.

Those who make a commotion without any consultation are usually those who have vested interests.

Our message to all our detractors:

"Reach out na lang kayo sa amin and bigyan namin kayo ng events coverage para maging busy at masaya rin naman kayo. Ganyan talaga nangyayari kapag wala kayong pinagkakaabalahan. Stop pulling down others you see as successful, because karma can be a bitch if you play unfair."

#WazzupPilipinas #PambansangBlogger Wazzup Pilipinas Pambansang Blogger

VFS TasHeel International Inaugurates Visa Services Centers in Philippines

Wazzup Pilipinas!

VFS TasHeel International, an enterprise mandated with managing and administrating the visa application process on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, today announced that its Visa Services Centers in Manila, Davao, and Cebu are now fully operational and have started processing visa applications.

The VFS TasHeel centers in the Philippines will process various categories of visa permits including resident, educational, personal, commercial visits etc., with the exception of Hajj, Umrah and Work visas. Pilgrims and Work visa applicants will continue to process their visas through private tour operators in the country, and will be required to complete the biometric enrollment procedure at the VFS TasHeel Visa Services Centers. Biometrics enrolment includes collection of fingerprints, facial image and biographic details, such as passport information.

Commenting on the Visa Services Center opening, Mr. Ajit Alexander, Chief Executive Officer, VFS TasHeel International, quoted, “We are pleased to be fulfilling the role assigned to us by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is to facilitate a smooth, streamlined visa application process for travelers to the Kingdom. The new Visa Services Centers in Philippines offer visa applicants a full array of streamlined visa services, all of which are technologically driven and adhering to high standards of security and information confidentiality.”

Acting as a trusted mediator between visa applicants and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, VFS TasHeel services includes, dissemination of accurate visa information, application guidance, fee management, identity management with biometrics enrollment and application submission.

The Visa Services Centers in Philippines are now in operation and located at:

· DY International Building, Gen Malvar Street, Corner San Marcelino Street, Malate, Manila
· Plaza De Luisa, Luisa Avenue Building, Jacinto Extension, Davao City
· Insular Square Mall, 31 J.P Rizal Street, Tabok, Mandaue City, Cebu

For further information on steps to apply, knowing appropriate visa category or scheduling an appointment, applicants may visit www.vfstasheel.com. The website offers information in English and Tagalog language.

Brown&Proud: The Movement To Empower

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Solid Group Inc., is a 70 year old business legacy that has been publicly listed since 1996. A group that has pioneered with brands like Sony, Samsung, Aiwa, TCL, Sanyo, Kia Motors, Panasonic and the likes. SG Inc. is also supposed to have pioneered broad band cable- DESTINY.

The first Filipino phone brand – “MyPhone” was introduced by SG Inc., an affordable phone brand and has been in the mobile phone market for the last 10 years. Year 2016 showed a sale of 6 million MyPhones according to Mr. David Lim, owner of MyPhone.

BROWN is the company’s newest brand of premium line of mobile phones and other associated gadgets and products, whose product development strategy is based on using the system of “Internet of Things” (IOT). IOT simply explained is a system of technology where equipments talk to each other. It is the interconnection by the internet, of devices and objects used on a daily basis, such as being able to turn off lights using your phone while you are travelling, refrigerators can communicate and let u know on your phone what is needed to be bought from the market etc.

David Lim, the brand owner, says that Brown Phone and MyPhone are up against a lot of foreign brands but his brand’s claim to fame is it’s a Filipino created brand, by a company who pays up all its taxes and has the backing of a 70 year old company!

David Lim believes that his brand MyPhone has been a part of nation building with pride and dignity, especially by making phones affordable to the mass. Despite getting mixed feedback to have the map behind MyPhone, Lim states that it’s been a pride. With Brown Phones, the strategy has been extremely aggressive in every way, yet with a conviction to change the Filipino mind set! All the ODMs (Original design manufacturers) “Brown” has partnered with are only of the quality of the highest brand in the world.

When the company decided to go into Multi Level it was a challenge because there was a certain stigma with MLM. But Lim looked at it as an opportunity to change things. MyPhone claims that they have one of the biggest after sales service network in the country today with close to 50 sales service center networks. Lim’s conviction to go the IOT route is his belief to be a part of nation building, making a difference, empowering Filipinos and giving back to the country. He believes that his strong after sales service will not leave his customers hanging. He looks forward positively in changing the Filipino mind-set that foreign brands are better.

Davao Aguilas FC Thwarts Expected Global Cebu FC Win in Home Turf, Ends Game with a Clean Sheet

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Visiting team Davao Aguilas FC, came in as an underdog in an exciting Saturday night match at the Cebu City Sports Center. The home crowd expected a third straight win from Global Cebu FC, winning over Ceres Negros FC and Stallions Laguna FC just days before. But the Aguilas thwarted the crowd’s expectation and ended the match with a clean sheet, and a score of 0-0.

Davao Aguilas FC on the other hand, ’upped its game’ after its most recent setback in its own turf last week, after a loss of 5-1.

Coach Gary Phillips says, “I’m very proud of the team’s performance tonight, particularly at the back of last week’s results, which was unacceptable. But to play a strong team like Global Cebu FC and to stick together and maintain their discipline, and they kept a clean sheet. I’m very proud of the team’s effort.”

Goalkeeper Marko Trkulja was named Man of Match.

San Miguel Brewery and the Sportswriters Association of Cebu also took the time out after the match, to hand over the award of recently signed Aguilas player, 19-year old Jordan Jarvis. Jarvis was conferred the 35th All Cebu Sports Awards Special Citation for excellence in football and contributing to the professionalism of the sport. This was also Jarvis’ second award from the association.

Jarvis was also named UAAP season 79’s Rookie of the Year for men’s football earlier this year, after Ateneo bagged its 7th UAAP championship.


For more information about Davao Aguilas FC, please visit www.facebook.com/DAFCofficial.

National Day of Youth Resistance | #YouthResist alt-SONA

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Resistance is staging a nationwide ‘#YouthRESIST alt-SONA’ on July 18 to counter Duterte’s ‘Fake News SONA’. Duterte and his ‘killing spree’ resulted to more than 12,000 homicide cases, including at least 7,000 deaths due to the war-on-drugs. Similar protests will be held in Cebu and General Santos.

At least 1,500 young people from Metro Manila is expected to attend the protest against the DUTERTADOR.

Photo-ops and interviews will be made available.

A 13-YEAR OLD GIRL VERSUS DUTERTE’S OLD-MAN POLITICS. Shibby de Guzman is a Grade 9 student who once faced backlash on social media for speaking out against extrajudicial killings. Shibby co-heads #YouthResist, resistance movement formed by youth groups Millennials Against Dictators [MAD], Student Council Alliance of the Philippines [SCAP], Akbayan! Youth [A!Y], and numerous campus- and community-based youth groups.

St. Scholastica’s College, Leon Guinto St., Malate (Entry @ Gate 4)
St. Cecilia’s Hall, then March to Leon Guinto St.
July 18, 2017 (Tue); 8:30-12:00NN

PROGRAM

8:30 – 8:45AM: Interfaith Prayer | Minute of Silence | Lupang Hinirang | Welcome Remarks

8:45 – 9:00AM: [Video] If You Are Poor, You Are Killed | Malaya | Speech by Shibby De Guzman: Kung Hindi Tayo, Sino?

9:00 – 9:30AM: Spoken Word | Speech by EJK Kin: Lahat Tayo Posibleng Drug Pusher

9:30 – 10:00AM: [Video]‘Biyuda’ | Speech by Sen. Risa Hontiveros: Panahon Niyo Na | Teatro Balagtas

10:00 – 10:30AM: Hindi Tayo Tatahimik – Youth Unity Statement | Community Singing and March to Leon Guinto

10:30 – 12:00NN: Cultural Picket (led by the Tres Marias – Lolita Carbon, Bayang Barrios and Cookie Chua)

Miss Manila Karen Ibasco is Miss Philippines Earth 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Congratulations to the new MISS PHILIPPINES EARTH for 2017 - Miss Manila Karen Ibasco!

The Coronation Night held on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena crowned another beauty queen hailing from Malate, Manila. She will now compete for the title of Miss Earth soon.

At an interview held right on the stage of the MOA Arena, Karen revealed that she was not the reigning Miss Manila but was only sent as a representative by no less than Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada himself to represent Manila at the Miss Philippines Earth beauty pageant.

Well, we have to commend the good mayor for an excellent choice since Karen really impressed us with not only her looks but with her outstanding answer during the final and ultimate Question and Answer portion where only one question was asked of the five finalists. While others were prevented fro hearing the question, each candidate gave her answer to the question that goes something like "The government's slogan is Change is Coming, what change do you want to see in terms of Environmental Policy in the country?"

We asked Karen if she was aware that her answer clinched her win since the other finalists did not directly answer the question. Well, she said she somehow knew it because of the reaction and wild applause of the audience. 

Now, I truly believe that the judges do care about the intellect of the candidates since they picked the one with the best answer as the ultimate winner.

Singapore Airlines and Visa Unveil Exclusive Offers for Trips to Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Europe

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Singapore Airlines, together with Visa, invites travelers to jumpstart their adventure with its special all-inclusive Economy Class round trip fares starting from just USD190.

Singapore

Together with the Singapore Tourism Board, SIA brings an attractive all-inclusive round trip fare to Singapore from just USD190, for a minimum of two passengers travelling together. More of the Lion City is now also reachable through the Singapore Airlines Singapore Explorer Pass. With a top-up of just USD 48 per person, travelers may revel in over 20 different attractions (worth SGD 420), including Gardens by the Bay, Madame Tussauds, Singapore Cable Car, Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer and free rides on the SIA Hop on Bus.

Australia

From just USD630, an exciting Australian adventure awaits those who wish to visit Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. The Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia alliance provides more choice for domestic and international air travel to and from Australia, with attractive and seamless travel options across Australia. Passengers can smoothly plan their trip to various attractions in The Land Down Under and avail of more travel options and convenient connections. All-inclusive one way add-on rates are also available from USD 60 to USD 80, with trips from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to multiple destinations such as Canberra, Gold Coast, Hobart, Mackay, Port Moresby, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and Townsville.

New Zealand

Those who wish to discover New Zealand can kick-off their trips with an attractive all-inclusive fare of just USD800. Through Singapore Airlines’ partnership with Air New Zealand, passengers can make their adventure more exciting with the all-inclusive one-way add-on rates from just USD100 to either Queenstown or Wellington. 

Europe

This offer with VISA is also extended to European destinations namely Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Manchester, Milan, Moscow, Munich, Paris, Rome and Zurich from USD 890. The special deal covers options to hop on from select cities to other favorite destinations such as Brussels, Dublin, Geneva, Hamburg, Madrid, Venice, Vienna via SIA’s airlines partners from just USD 60 to USD 120.

30kg baggage allowance, KrisWorld and KrisFlyer

The Economy Class fares come with 30kg baggage allowance, delectable inflight meals and personal KrisWorld inflight entertainment system on Singapore Airlines flights. Customers will also earn KrisFlyer miles that can be redeemed for future flights. Sign-up for free at krisflyer.com and subscribe to the e-newsletter to be among the first to receive the latest promotions of Singapore Airlines. 

Complimentary SGD20 Changi Dollar Voucher & Free City Tour

Passengers travelling beyond Singapore can also redeem a complimentary SGD20 Changi Dollar Voucher which can be used with no minimum purchase, at participating shops, restaurants and lounge at the Singapore Changi Airport. Free city tours await for transit passengers with at least 5-hour transit time.

The promotion is exclusive to Visa credit, debit and prepaid cardholders, valid for sale from 05 October until 31 October 2015 for travel out of Manila until 19 March 2016. For travel out of Cebu, Davao and Kalibo to Singapore and Australia, surcharges may apply. For bookings, visit Singapore Airlines or SilkAir Ticketing & Reservations offices, participating travel agents, or via singaporeair.com using promo code 328936256. 

Singapore Airlines flies from Manila to Singapore four times daily which conveniently connect to onward flights to the rest of the world. For more information, visit singaporeair.com

SIA brings an attractive singapore tour package with all-inclusive round trip from just USD190.

We Found Beauty at Calle Crisologo of Vigan, Ilocos Sur

Wazzup Pilipinas!

We explored Calle Crisologo and other historical sights of Vigan for the nth time and they are still too awesome for our selfies and photo ops.

To match the feel of these heritage home we've edited our photos to make them look vintage, or is the right word antiquated, or historical, or whatever you may call it, walking along the streets of Calle Crisologo is like traveling on a time machine - the ride on a Calesa (not just around Calle Crisologo) is more than majestic.

The calesa ride only cost P150 per hour, but you'll definitely need more than an hour if you would really like to immense yourself thoroughly all over Vigan. We've rented a calesa to tour some sites - from the famous bell tower or belfry near the Saint Augustine Parish Church, commonly known as Bantay Church (because it's located at Bantay, Ilocos Sur), to the Hidden Garden. But we're going to tell the story of each place on a per blog  post basis - meaning one attraction per blog post.

Editing the photos of Calle Crisologo to make them look old gives out the vibes of a century when the Spaniards greatly influenced us - from the architecture to the overall culture. Oh, the Filipino is a merging of many traits and influenced by many races. Though our roots may have been somewhat lost due to the many influences, I guess that's how Filipinos are greatly leading the way towards many achievements.